Byanyima’s Hope Shattered as Besigye Denied Bail this Friday

Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obed Lutale will remain in prison after the High Court in Kampala denied their bail request, shattering the hope of their release after spending more than 140 days in detention.

The two were arrested back in November last year, with reports claiming they were abducted by the military from Nairobi, Kenya. They were later charged with illegal possession of firearms and disturbing national peace.

At first, their case was handled by the army court, but after a Supreme Court decision on January 31st limited military courts from trying civilians, the case was moved to civilian courts. The firearm charge was dropped, and the case was later forwarded to the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nakawa.

After that, Dr. Besigye’s legal team applied for bail in the High Court. But on Thursday, April 10, 2025, Justice Rosette Comfort Kania denied the request, saying the seriousness of the case made her worried that Besigye might interfere with the investigation—even though his sureties were acceptable.

Reacting to the court's ruling, Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, said they will not go to the Court of Appeal. Instead, they plan to submit another bail application and explore other legal options both within and outside Uganda.

This outcome has deeply disappointed human rights activist Winnie Byanyima, who is also Besigye’s wife. Before the ruling, she had expressed hope, saying, “We can’t wait to welcome home our loved ones.” She added that keeping the two men in jail was unjust since they were not a flight risk and had done nothing wrong.

Supporters and human rights groups believe the charges are politically motivated and that the continued detention is unfair. Many view both men as strong voices for justice and democracy—Besigye as a key opposition figure, and Lutale as a respected civic leader.

While their legal battle continues, human rights defenders are calling for an end to the use of state power to silence dissent and are urging fair treatment of all political detainees.